Should a Russian themed ballet perform in South Africa during a raging war between Russia and Ukraine?

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

Eyebrows are currently being raised in arts circles because an advert doing rounds on social media platforms promoting a Russian themed ballet show  scheduled for a performance at Roodeport Theatre in Johannesburg.

The show The Sleeping Beauty Ballet, will be held at Roodeport Theatre next month. Roodeport Theatre is part of Johannesburg City Theatres Company, which also runs the Joburg Theatre and the Soweto Theatre. This timeless ballet classic whose various versions have enthralled fans throughout the world since the 19th century when the script was first crafted, is to be performed by Johannesburg based Youth Russian Ballet Company, just formed in 2022 before the war  commenced in Ukraine.

However no sooner had the marketing material been published on Roodeport Theatre’s website just before the Easter Holidays, did social media platforms publish people’s opinions on the wisdom of having such a show in the middle of a raging war in Ukraine between Russia and that country. Russia invaded its neighbor more than four weeks ago.

The big question then becomes:  Should artistic freedom and expression be suppressed because of what is happening militarily and politically, in relation to the war in Ukraine?  Put differently, is it Okay to have a Russian themed show  when that country from where the cultural influences of the show are derived  has just declared a war on its neighbor, a war that has been condemned by the United Nations?

This issue that has been raised by this show, just goes on to show that the issues between Russia and Ukraine go far beyond the realm of politics, as they also affect almost every aspect of life where Russia has its tentacles in the world. Besides the obvious issue of the economy, with prices of especially agricultural products, especially wheat starting to rise and shortages starting to be noticed in especially heavy wheat consuming countries such as Egypt, the arts are not an exception. Ukraine is a major export of agricultural products, especially wheat to some African countries. This puts African countries in an awkward position having to choose between morality and economic interests.

Russia is currently under sanctions from European Union countries as well as North America. African countries are divided on the issue, with South Africa taking a neutral position for example. The country has been criticized for taking that position, especially because so far it has abstained on two crucial votes relating to a United Nations decision on Russia in relation to its invading of Ukraine.  South Africa’s diplomatic framework has been placed in an awkward position simply because it is a member of Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and therefore ties its fate to Russia as an economic partner, and therefore cannot be seen to be taking a side. Taking a side would risk the ire of its economic partner in Bricks, Russia.

That is quite clear, but what many had not yet realized is the fact that the war’s impact goes way beyond politics. The case  in point is the situation the ballet production at Roodeport Theatre finds itself in.  This is clearly an awkward position, as it raises the issue balance the need for  artistic freedom and expression on one hand and political consideration on the other. It further raises the issue of the morality of promoting a Russian-themed cultural product at this very moment. This is clearly a case of the arts intersecting with politics in an uncomfortable fashion.

However it turns out that this production heading for Roodeport Theatre in May is produced by a local ballet company, which was trained by a Russian ballet outfit before the war.

However the producers of the show seem to be oblivious of the war situation as their marketing for the production is currently in full gear.

“One of the things that can charm any heart is to watch a creative work that can make the cupids begin to fly in the right direction. The Sleeping Beauty Ballet, which will be presented by members of the Youth Russian Ballet Company in Johannesburg, entrenches a rich storyline that has held audiences spellbound for many generations. This performance is full of awe, sublime moves, and well-choreographed displays.

It is an event full of sheer magic and awe, appealing to those young at heart or anyone who wants to enjoy classical entertainment. Everyone who has attended the previous events presented by Youth Russian Ballet Company knows that it always creates memorable moments for each attendee. Also, anyone who is yet to be part of any of the performances can enter into a brand-new world by experiencing the Sleeping Beauty Ballet.

The cast in this production is made up of individuals who understand the essence of connecting with the hearts of their audience. Their professional displays have earned them a unique place in the annals of arts and creative works. This is pure family entertainment as there is no need for Parental Guidance based on the simple but fascinating storyline.

The original Sleeping Beauty Ballet was based on a score completed in 1889. The first show premiered in 1890, and the Sleeping Beauty Ballet continues to be an audience-pleasing spectacle today. The YRBC has worked to preserve parts of the ballet that are loved by crowds the most while carefully adding new features. Despite the enormous commercial success that this story has enjoyed, the YRBC brings a unique light to this ever-enthralling piece. The various dance scenes will create laughter, sadness, excitement and fun for everyone in attendance.

The Youth Russian Ballet Company’s Sleeping Beauty will take audiences through the birth of Princess Aurora, the spell that sent her into a deep sleep, the prince waking her up, and their royal wedding.

Love remains a powerful force that can melt the hardest hearts and birth new beginnings for anyone. The ballet captures all the professional components that you can find in a good production. The systematic progression, the cast, and the costume are intertwined to give very rich impressions. The story’s moral and ethical perspective makes it an all-time favourite for savvy individual.

The Youth Russian Ballet Company invites guests to enjoy the show, meet the dancers, and fall in love with their talents,” \media release published on the theatre’s website reads.

Who is Youth Russian Ballet Company?

Not much is known about the outfit, but this is what they say who they ar:

“The Youth Russian Ballet Company (YRBC) was officially established in 2022. However, our story doesn’t begin there: In the years leading up to our official creation, the YRBC has worked in collaboration with students from the Russian School of Ballet, and dancers from studios across Johannesburg, to produce numerous high-end youth productions per year. With each new production, our repertoire as a company has grown more and more diverse. We aspire to capture the versatility and potential of youth performance dance.
At the Youth Russian Ballet Company, we inspire others by passing on our vast knowledge and passion for a ballet performance. We are proud to be a brand new company with a rich history that will continue to grow in the years to come.